Head of Md.'s prison boot camp is retiring RHC

Maj. Robert E. Clay, the demanding former Marine who ran the state's boot camp prison, has retired after 21 years in the state penal system.

Major Clay helped plan the boot camp in Jessup and was in charge when it opened in August 1990.

At the age of 43, Major Clay delighted in joining the grueling exercises and runs that characterize the boot camp regimen.

Officials named no successor for Major Clay, who officially leaves April 1.

In a statement released by the Division of Correction, Major Clay gave no reason for his resignation other than saying it was time to move on.

The prison, formally known as the Herman L. Toulson Correctional Boot Camp, has graduated 12 classes totaling 417 inmates.